What Is the Mitral Annulus?

What is the mitral annulus?

The mitral annulus is a fibrous, ring-like structure that binds to and supports the two leaflets of the mitral valve and its surrounding anatomy.

This “ring” enables proper function of the mitral valve (also known as the bicuspid valve) and facilitates blood flow within the heart.

In the average person, the mitral valve’s annulus has a circumference of about 3.34 inches (8.5 centimeters) and a diameter of approximately 1.22 inches (3.1 centimeters).

What does the mitral valve annulus look like?

Despite often being referred to as a ring, the mitral annulus is not actually round. It has a saddle-like shape (hyperbolic paraboloid) and is not continuous or complete.

There are two parts to the annulus, which are the anterior and posterior.

The anterior portion supports the anterior leaflet and is connected to the left and right trigones, the intertrigonal region and non-coronary and left cusps, and ultimately the aortic valve annulus, via a fibrous structure known as the aortomitral curtain.

The posterior section supports the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve. It is generally less developed.

What is the function of the mitral annulus? How does it function?

The mitral ring plays an important role in cardiac valve function.

Its main functions are to support the mitral valve leaflets (and nearby structures) and ensure that they join neatly during closure by contracting, preventing mitral valve prolapse and mitral regurgitation.

The mitral valve’s annulus also promotes filling and emptying of the left atrium and left ventricle in the body, regulating pressures between the chambers and valves of the heart.

What can go wrong with the mitral annulus?

A number of things can go wrong with the annulus.

A mitral annulus that doesn’t attach well to the cusps of the bicuspid valve may cause dysfunction, which can lead to a variety of problems. Another concern is mitral annular calcification. This is a degenerative disease that occurs with age. It tends to affect women and those over 70.

Search Website

Cure Panic Attacks & Anxiety

Find Us on Facebook

Popular Posts

7 Foods to Avoid with Mitral Valve Prolapse Do you know which foods to avoid with mitral valve prolapse? Mitral valve prolapse symptoms can be bothersome and frustrating. Sometimes, they can be downright scary. Especially for newly diagnosed…

9 Natural Remedies for Mitral Valve Prolapse Are there any natural remedies for mitral valve prolapse? Natural remedies for mitral valve prolapse do exist. There are many, as a matter of fact, and some of these treatments…

About MVP Resource

MVP Resource provides free, up-to-date information on mitral valve prolapse and related medical conditions. However, the content published on this website is NOT intended as professional advice, a diagnosis, or a medical treatment. Always consult your doctor! Please read our “Disclaimer” to the right.